1. Can Art Change The World?

Send us Fan MailEpisode 1: Can Art Change The World?The View Magazine CiC PresentsRebel Justice Podcasts : Episode 1: Can Art Change The World? FeaturingClare Barstow, activist, former prisonerAndy West, Philosophy in PrisonSue Ecclestone, Hollybush Art Prize for Women, artist and curatorJen Reid, activist and campaignerRebel Justice Podcast's  Episode 1 is  a panel from our Someone's Daughter  portrait exhibition at  Photo London in September 2021. Clare Barstow (artist, writer and survivor), Andy West (Philosophy in Prison), Sue Ecclestone (Hollybush Art Prize for Women, magistrate), and Jen Reid (artist, curator, activist and campaigner) discuss the importance of art as a campaigning platform. Someone's Daughter, is our exhibition of portraits of women with lived experience of the criminal justice system in conjunction with those who are women activists, artists, leaders or those who want to raise awareness of the issues and the need for reform. They discuss whether art can change the world in terms of equality and justice. Art, in its many forms, is used as self-expression, and therefore is key for people from different spheres of life to engage and communicate. It's inspiring for other marginalised women to see that they can also create roles for themselves in politics, justice, art and media. The View is raising important  issues, which can have an impact and change the way people think and how people see things, it also gives women a voice. People learn a lot by seeing through your eyes and it does change their views and opinions. Through combining art with activism. There is an urgent need to reform the criminal justice system and other issues that might be associated with it.Through pictures we can see portraits of people as well their stories in text, this can allow the audience to engage and hopefully take away a better understanding of people. depicting a richer version of who she is and how she can be shown to the world through her creativity, in a more authentic fashion. Clare Barstow says, "I think art … is a very peaceful, but a very powerful way of engaging people. It inspires dialogue, it's encouraging, it's inspiring, it's another great way to communicate and there's no language barrier there."However sexism in the art world also exists, where Sue Ecclestone mentions how, when you look at exhibitions around the world, 29% are exhibitions with female artists, and in reality we need many more female artists We keep trying to support gender balance, such as the Women's Intellectual Property Awards, and this soft radicalism is trying to change the world a little bit. People are building access to different networks and allowing more inclusivity which is a powerful message in itself.Andy West says how during the impact of COVD has had a negative impact in prison regarding access to institutions. However, Jen Reid mentions how the use of online tools, has improved inclusivity and art created through online mediums can be used in exhibitions now. Circumstances such as COVID can cause a backslide, however it is down to the individual and is out purpose to keep the momentum and conversation alive.So can art change the world? In closing statement, it is widely accepted as yes. Visual arts can affect the model, artist as well as he audience. It is a very democratic in the sense that as it does not tell people how to think, but its purpose is to raise awareness/shock or compel people to see things differently, or have a new perspective.Different exhibitions and curatorial shows have allowed the work of former prisoners, but also people who are marginalised by society, to try to find a way to have their voice heard. &Support the showFor more unmissable content from The View sign up here